- Director of the Victim's Intervention Program (VIP) Michele Minor-Wolf was at the weekly meeting of the commissioners to discuss new programs and increase awareness.

One program, the Lethality Assessment Project (LAP), targets individuals in abusive relationships who show signs of being in danger of a lethal outcome. Wolf says the program currently has partnerships from Detective Schultz and both the Waymart and Hawley Police Departments. "We are all going to be trained on April 26" in Harrisburg to learn how to utilize the LAP.

The program is a two-fold intervention process that uses a lethality screening tool to prevent domestic violence homicides, serious injury and re-assault by encouraging victims to take advantage of the support and services offered by domestic violence programs. Wolf says the program has "advocates and police working together" to help stop domestic violence.

Another upcoming program is Project Connect. In partnership with the Honesdale High School, VIP and the Department of Health and Family Services will look for signs of teen dating violence, bullying and abuse. The new program is in its infancy, but Wayne County "is one of six counties" chosen to participate in the program.

Wolf was also on hand to receive the proclamation from the commissioners declaring April Sexual Assault Awareness Month.

The proclamation says "sexual violence is a devastating and intolerable crime" that affects persons of all genders and races. Being a victim of sexual violence results "in countless physical, mental and other health consequences."

"One of every four girls" and "one out of every six boys" are sexually assaulted before they turn 18. Of children between ages 10 and 17, 20 percent "receive unwanted sexual solicitations" while on the internet.

Over the past year, the VIP has served 102 adults victims, 49 child victims and 75 significant others of sexual assault.

Wolf encourages any victim of abuse to reach out by telling a trusted adult of by using the 24-hour crisis hotline at 570-253-4401 or 1-800-698-4VIP.

Calling the hotline is toll free and confidential. VIP also offers confidential counseling services for individuals and groups, emergency shelter assistance and more.

Page 2 of 2 - Safety committee honored

The Wayne County Safety Committee was honored recently for their service to the county. The committee works to help reduce the amount of work related injuries. They assess possible risk factors like slip and fall injuries to falling off of a ladder.

Commissioner Wendell Kay said the existence of this committee not only helps keep people safe, but "keeps costs down on insurance premiums." The county currently has "less than a one factor" as a risk, which is exceptional.

The 11 person committee has saved "around $100,000 a year" in inusrance premiums and has been in existence for six years this coming May.

Other business

The Wangum Bridge project received environmental clearance and a motion to move forward with the final design.

A motion was made to designate the Park Street Complex as an official polling place for the May 21 Primary Election.

The resignation of South Wayne County Water and Sewer Authority employee Charles Dunn was accepted, effective immediately.

Robert A. Killian was chosen to fill the position left by Dunn for the remainder of the term, effective April 4, 2013 to Jan. 1, 2015.